Cessnock City Council has engaged specialist agricultural and food advisory firm Rounding Up to deliver the Hunter Valley Agribusiness Cluster Action Plan, after securing a grant for economic development strategic planning.

This project will provide insight into agribusiness activity across Cessnock City and deliver a two-year plan for simple and specific, low-cost actions to be programmed to stimulate growth and positive local outcomes for agricultural pursuits.

Rounding Up principal Tony Eyres said the project is pivotal to identifying future growth opportunities in agriculture for the region, and aims to help the region diversify from its traditional base of mining and wine.

"The project seeks to explore how these growth opportunities can complement the rich array of offerings in wine, food and tourism, already well known locally across the Hunter Valley, throughout NSW, nationally and internationally," he said.

Mr Eyres and Rounding Up senior associate Andrew Bulkeley have already engaged with a number of local businesses, and were impressed and energised by the positive response from the local community.

"In just a few days we have engaged with a range of people across a broad number of businesses to understand the history of the Cessnock area, challenges faced, keys to their own business success, and thoughts on potential opportunities for the future of the agricultural sector," Mr Eyres said.

General manager, Lotta Jackson said council is "very pleased" to be working with Rounding Up on the action plan.

"They have a wealth of experience partnering with diverse stakeholder groups to develop strategic plans and deliver a range of projects that create sustained commercial value across regional communities," she said.

Anyone wanting to have further input into the project can get in touch with Tony directly on 0429 069 072 or by emailing g'day@rounding-up.com.